Reflecting the dramatic changes shaped by rapidly developing technologies over the past six years, this new fourth edition of "Reference and Information Services" takes the introduction to reference sources and services significantly beyond the content of the first three editions. In Part I, Concepts and Processes, chapters have been revised and updated to reflect new ideas and methods in the provision of reference service in an era when many users have access to the Web. In Part II, "Information Sources and Their Use," discussion of each source type has been updated to encompass key resources in print and on the Web, where an increasing number of freely available sources join those purchased or licensed by libraries. A number of new authors are contributors to this new edition, bringing to their chapters their experience as teachers of reference and as practitioners in different types of libraries. Discussions of services in Part I integrate digital reference as appropriate to each topic, such as how to conduct a reference interview online using instant messaging. Boxes interspersed in the text are used to present scenarios for discussion, to highlight key concepts, or to present excerpts from important documents. Discussions of sources in Part II place more emphasis on designing effective search strategies using both print and digital resources. The chapter on selection and evaluation of sources addresses the changing nature of reference collections and how to evaluate new types of sources. Each chapter concludes with an updated list of additional readings to guide further study. A new companion website will provide links to Web-accessible readings and resources as well as additional scenarios for discussion and example search strategies to supplement those presented in the text.

Search skills of today bear little resemblance to searches through print publications. Reference service has become much more complex than in the past, and is in a constant state of flux. Learning the skill sets of a worthy reference librarian can be challenging, unending, rewarding, and-- yes, fun.

Strauss's latest edition retains its place as an essential text for library students; an indispensable guide for practitioners in public, academic, and special libraries who deal with business inquiries; and a resource for entrepreneurs and business professionals.

Government data and resources are uniquely useful to researchers and other library users. But without a roadmap, sifting through the sheer quantity of information to find the right answers is foolhardy. The first edition of this text is well established as an essential navigational tool for both LIS students and professionals; now this newly revised, peer-reviewed update is even more attuned to new sources and types of government information and how best to locate them. Unmatched in its scope, this book covers such key topics as the history of government information, from its colorful beginnings to the era of Wikileaks, Edward Snowden, and data breaches;how to think like a government documents librarian in order to find information efficiently, plus other research tips;all types of law resources and information, including public laws and the U.S. Code, Case Law and the judicial branch, and regulations;Congressional literature, from bills and committee hearings to the U.S. Congressional Serial Set;patents, trademarks, and intellectual property;census data, educational information, and other statistical resources;health information, with an in-depth look at the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the trend toward and impact of online medical records; and science, environmental, and energy resources from agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.Exercises throughout the text support instruction, while the approachable and well-organized style make it ideal for day-to-day reference use.

Thoroughly updating previous editions and reflecting the enormous changes to government information on the Internet, this book guides students through the vast and constantly changing terrain of government information in print and electronic forms. Morehead describes administrative machinery and information systems of the Government Printing Office (GPO); introduces general checklists, indexes, and guides to government information; describes the Congress and intrinsic sources that comprise the legislative process; and details many other government publications.

A long awaited update of the popular 1988 handbook by Diane Wheeler Strauss, this book is divided into two main parts. The first seven chapters cover business information according to the formats in which it is made available. The second part of the book covers specific topics within the area of business. Included are chapters on marketing; money, credit, and banking; and the many aspects of investment ranging from stocks through bonds, mutual funds, and futures and options. Recognizing the changes in information retrieval techniques since the first edition, special emphasis is placed on the Internet as a source of reliable, accurate, and timely information. Nevertheless, print resources have not been neglected, as they continue to provide a strong foundation for most collections.